Bill Kirchen is an Ann Arbor-born guitar god who started out as lead guitarist with Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, he's gone on to an acclaimed solo career, and when he returns to town his concerts turn into joyous reunions celebrating the glory days of the Ann Arbor honky-tonk scene. Some things haven't changed -- the Austin American-Statesman praised his "no-nonsense diesel guitar attack, powered by great booming, bottom-heavy licks still covered with axle grease." But Bill has evolved into a very sharp and often funny songwriter as well. Tonight's show marks the release of Bill's new album, "Word to the Wise."